26/06/2026
๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐จ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ง๐๐
BAGUIO CITY, June 15, 2026 โ Demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding public health through responsive legislation, the Baguio City Council convened a Public Hearing in Aid of Legislation to deliberate on the proposed amendment of the City's HIV Ordinance. The hearing was prompted by the increasing number of HIV cases in the City and underscored the need to strengthen local policies to ensure they remain responsive to the evolving HIV epidemic and aligned with current public health standards.
The proposed amendments aim to incorporate critical provisions that are not fully addressed in the existing ordinance, reinforcing the City's capacity to expand HIV prevention efforts, improve access to testing and treatment services, strengthen care and support systems, and uphold the rights and dignity of persons living with HIV.
Invited as resource persons were Dr. Celiaflor C. Brillantes, City Health Officer, Mr. Darwin F. Babon, Regional Program Manager of the Department of Health, Center for Health Development Cordillera Administrative Region, and Dr. Virgilio Clement Bilalat, Head of the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC). The panel presented the current HIV situation in Baguio City, discussed emerging public health challenges, and provided technical recommendations on policy reforms that would enhance the City's HIV response.
Members of the Baguio City Council actively participated in the deliberations, offering recommendations to further strengthen the implementation of existing HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and support programs. The exchange reflected a shared commitment to crafting legislation that is evidence-based, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the community.
More than a policy reform, the proposed amendment represents an investment in the health, safety, and future of every Baguio resident. A strengthened HIV ordinance will help improve access to life-saving services, encourage early diagnosis, facilitate timely treatment, expand prevention initiatives, and foster an environment where individuals can seek healthcare free from fear, stigma, and discrimination. By establishing a more comprehensive legal framework, the City aims to protect vulnerable populations, empower communities through education and prevention, and reinforce a coordinated response that leaves no one behind.
The public hearing reaffirmed that addressing HIV is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the health sector. Through sustained collaboration among policymakers, healthcare professionals, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the community, Baguio City continues to move toward a stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient HIV response. The proposed amendments to the City's HIV Ordinance signify not only a legislative milestone but also a reaffirmation of the City's commitment to protecting lives, promoting health equity, and securing a healthier future for generations to come.